This is a fan’s personal view of AFC Bournemouth from the outside looking in. It reports on the daily official activities reported by the club and comments made by individual fans on social media and fanbase websites. Life as an AFCB fan is never dull. As a life-long supporter of the Cherries, it is the friendliness of the staff, fans and my enthusiasm for the club that inspired me to write this blog.

Welcome

Sunday, 31 December 2017

All Bournemouth fans have a soft spot for Ryan Fraser. He is just like the kid next door who always wanted to make it in football, and played in the street all hours, and yet wondered if his size would prevent him from making it. Gladly for AFCB, Fraser's talent is so great that the football talent spotters could not pass up and he has been moulded into a fabulous player that is quick and nimble and a real pain for defenders.

Ryan Fraser is now just one goal behind Callum Wilson on four goals this season.

Against Everton we saw mainly the best of Fraser's game. He may have over hit a few early passes but, as Ian Wright said on Match of the day, Fraser was at the heart of everything good about Bournemouth's performance. He was a little frustrated early on in making runs and not finding other players in support, but keeping up with Fraser is a job in itself.

His finish for the first goal was quite extraordinary as the ball was behind him. Still, he managed to shape himself well and get his foot right around the ball to give Pickford no chance of keeping it out. In the post-match interview he said that team-mates had said that he should have gone at it with his head, but when you are only 5ft 4in you can curl yourself up into a ball quite easily, and I think Fraser got much more power and direction on the shot than he would have done trying to head it.

All afternoon we saw Fraser and Adam Smith zoom up the left side and beat their opposing numbers. Adam Smith does seem to get on well with Fraser and they both ride tackles well. The winner was another example of how the two combined well and while it had a touch of fortune to it, Fraser worked hardest of all Bournemouth's players and he deserved that bit of luck.Fraser had not been in the goals that much this season, although he got an important one against Southampton. Now he has to work his way into getting into more shooting positions as when he doe get the chance there are not many better finishers in Bournemouth's team.

There are not many times in a season when you look back at a game and think that was absolutely massive, but the three points against Everton at home was such a moment. Bournemouth worked extremely hard for the win, as if their lives depended on it, and the post-match interview with Eddie Howe gave a satisfied but honest sigh of relief to Bournemouth's late winner.

Eddie Howe will have no time to enjoy the win with Brighton just around the corner.

Bournemouth would have been counting on another costly mistake if Fraser had not managed to grab the late winner, and while Bournemouth out-played Everton for large parts of this match, there was a worry that they were again not going to put a side to bed. I was willing Jordan Ibe to get on the score sheet and perhaps he was trying to hard at times to get the goal when he could have passed to others, but from what we have seen before there is a mood change in Ibe and I think it is also starting to rub off on others.

Adam Smith was dynamite on the left and he is now going to give Eddie Howe something to think about the way he worked so well with Ryan Fraser. Would Fraser and Adam Smith be just as effective on the right side if Daniels comes back into the team? The pleasing thing is that partnerships were working all over the pitch. Afobe and Wilson look at home together and Lewis Cook and Gosling were running hard all game to close any holes in front of the back four.

There were mistakes we know, some sloppy passes when not really under pressure and that is the biggest factor that AFCB need to put right now. It is what marks the really good sides out from the others. Silly mistakes can cost you games and Bournemouth leave you on the edge of your seat because we know there is often a mistake. Luckily the fire that Ryan Fraser had in his belly was enough to put Everton away and AFCB need to keep that fire in their game for the next game and the next to ease their way further from the relegation zone.

Ryan Fraser chews on the Toffees as AFCB get their third home win of the season.

The end of year party can begin now that Ryan Fraser has capped off AFC Bournemouth's 2017 with a home win and three massive points to send the Cherries into the New Year in good spirits. Fraser was the clear man of the match winner having put the Cherries ahead on 33 minutes, when he converted a cross on the volley from Josh King to beat Jordan Pickford close in. Everton posed little threat until Wayne Rooney came on after the break and yet the equaliser came from a misplaced pass from Steve Cook and Idrissa Gueye took full advantage to level on 57 minutes. Bournemouth continued to force the pace and their reward came just two minutes from the end when Adam Smith found Fraser, and the wee-man cut inside and saw his shot deflect past Pickford for the win.

Phil Jagielka was back to captain Everton.

Bournemouth made no changes to the starting line up but did bring in Charlie Daniels and Harry Arter to the subs bench.

The game began with Ryan Fraser taking on the Everton defence and being held back to win a free kick. Steve Cook put the far post header wide though and there was no dream start for AFCB. Lewis Cook then fouled Sigurdssonand Aaron Lennon had his resulting shot blocked.Bournemouth won the first corner and Adam Smith did well to stop an Everton break. Ibe was involved in a move with a back heel that put Fraser in a good attacking position, but Fraser played a ball forward for Callum Wilson that Wilson did not read.Fraser was the man making runs for Bournemouth even if his final ball was often too strong. Jordan Pickford cleared the stands at one point with his rushed clearance. From the throw Wilson lobbed the ball over the Everton defence and found himself in on goal but Pickford made the first of many excellent saves.Everton won a corner from a Natahn Aké's header, but Nathan also cleared the danger afterwards. Bournemouth kept pushing forward and Jordan Ibe came close to getting a goal with Pickford diving low to his left to keep another shot out. Francis was injured from the corner but recovered quickly.Bournemouth did get the lead when McCarthy's back pass went to straight to Callum Wilson and King was released up the right wing, played a one-two with Wilson, and crossed for Fraser to volley into the goal.Adam Smith almost let Lennon in and Asmir had to come out to help Lennon's shot get blocked. Aké again won the header form the corner. But Josh King had to be subbed as his hamstring went and Afobe entered the game on 39 minutes.Afobe came on with the right attitude chasing back in his own half to recover a ball.

Half time score.

Rooney is waiting to come on.

Second half

Wayned Rooney was prepped to come on for McCarthy at half time. Fraser and Adam Smith were again doing well on the left an Francis crossed for Wilson to shoot wide. Adam Smith took a hefty challenge from Kenny and was given attention for a few minutes but was able to stand on his right leg and continued. Meanwhile, Everton subbed Calvert-Lewin for Niasse on 54 minutes.Schneiderlin found Rooney in space but the forward shot just wide. The let off didn't last long though as Steve Cook's misplaced a pass was picked up by Sigurdsson, and he fed Niasse, before Gueye was soon the recipient and took no time in placing his shot into the left side of Bournemouth's goal on 57 minutes.

Bournemouth mounted a strong reply shortly after with some neat play with Francis picking out Wilson who struck his shot first time only for Pickford to make an outstanding low one-handed save to his right. Afobe almost had a better chance when he dragged the ball passed two defenders on the D, but the ball just ran away from him and straight to Pickford.Bournemouth continued to press with a couple of corners and Bolasie came on for Gueye on 71 minutes. Steve Cook was doing well at the back in winning headers, but Afobe had a great chance to get in on goal before his first touch saw the ball speed away from him.Callum Wilson was still shooting when he could but hit another wide effort, before Arter replaced Lewis Cook. Ibe now raced towards goal on the right and could have passed to Afobe through the middle, but chose to shoot and Pickford made another save. Bournemouth then won the ball again and Ibe turned swiftly and hit a shot early left-footed curler only for it to hit the bar.Aké had to then make a great tackle on Sigurdssn as he broke up the other end.Mousset replaced Wilson on 85 minutes as Bournemouth looked for a winner. As we approached 88 minutes, Bournemouth broke again with devastating effect. This time Adam Smith ran strongly down the left and gave the ball to Fraser who cut inside and fired a shot across the keeper and off a defender, into the far right side of the net. Bournemouth had won it and the wee-man had been sensational.Not even five minutes of added time could deny Bournemouth of this valuable win.

Wilson congratulates Wee-man.

Summary

I thought this could have been yet another hard luck story. Sam Allardyce had not lost a game since becoming the Tofees' manager. Bournemouth are good at playing well and not getting what they deserve, but in this match they dominated much of the game and Ryan Fraser and Adam Smith were quite amazing on the left. Jordan Ibe also did well and was unlucky not to score, while Aké keeps showing what a bargain signing he was. In this mood Bournemouth will knock over better teams than Everton, but it has taken a long time to get to this level of performance. But for Jordan Pickford, the winning margin could have been much bigger and Eddie Howe will certainly be able to welcome the New Year in with more optimism after this win.

Cherry Chimes'January newsletter is out tomorrow. It includes the special newsletter article - Avoiding defeat will get you safety - and it reports on what has been a record month for Cherry Chimes. To sign up for the newsletter just complete the form below - like all good things it's free!

Saturday, 30 December 2017

It feels like each game is becoming a must win for Bournemouth but they are only one win away from a decent position in the league. The visit of Everton is another chance to escape the bottom three, but we have been saying that all too frequently and Bournemouth are still stuck in the drop zone with New Year just around the corner. So how much better will the squad feel if it does enter 2018 out of the bottom three?

Bournemouth need to find some goals from unusual sources.

I think it would have a massive impact if Bournemouth can beat Everton, not only because it would pull them above 18th spot, but it would be a win against a side that had been improving in the last 10 games and should help the players to know that they can do it against the better mid-table sides. Bournemouth arguably could have won earlier in the season at Goodison, so they know they are similarly matched to Everton. What swung it that day was a couple of substitutions and it could be just as tight again today, which may make the bench line up rather important. For Bournemouth it may be a case of who is recovering quickest from injury and the problem is their attacking options may be the weakest part of the subs bench. Can Howe expect Afobe or Mousset to grab a winner in the last 20 minutes of a game?

He has little choice but to give these strikers a go if the match is in the balance as he did against West Ham. The goal scorers that are out though are significant players for Bournemouth. Stanislas and Defoe would make Bournemouth much stronger and it is a pity that Howe is having to pick up points without his big names at the moment. Whether it is now or never for Bournemouth is perhaps prejudging things too early. Bournemouth will feel that they can win other games in January and still come out of that month well ahead of three lower sides, but they have to do something for themselves at the moment and cannot rely on other results going there way. Too often we have seen other teams scramble to safety with unexpected wins, but Bournemouth have not done that all season. It's about time they did beat a better fancied team and Everton are beatable if Bournemouth can play without fear. Let's get behind them today. UTCIAD!

Friday, 29 December 2017

Eddie Howe can only look at the team's home performances and feel that they have let too many points escape them at Dean Court. Even against West Ham chances went begging when they would have been converted by players who had a bit more confidence.

Dean Court has been deprived of wins but hopefully there will be one more in 2017.

The pleasing thing is that Bournemouth are at least creating chances now. Some 25 shots against West Ham should have been enough to win the game and while the goals are starting o flow again, there is some disappointment that Bournemouth can't keep the goals at the other end down at the same time. Howe must be wondering what else he can do to get the balance of the team better. I suppose, he really needs more players coming back but he also has to get more out of those that are available.

The desire from the team isn't in doubt. We can see how much they wanted to win the last game and yet the team still has problems at key moments like corners and when they are facing the closing moments of games. The pressure is certainly on but it is better that the players feel the emotions of the home supporters than have a flat silence. The worry I have is that mistakes seem to be creeping into Bournemouth's games now, whether it is defending corners, goalkeepers clearing balls or giving penalties away. It's the panic of not wanting things to get any worse that is perhaps making players now make hasty decisions when they often have more time to make the right decision.

Playing at home though as to be seen as a bonus for AFCB's players if they can't find everything to their needs to win games at Dean Court they are going to be in a difficult place. There are very few more games when Bournemouth can afford to have an off-day. They need to get out of the bottom three as soon as possible and being the second of two home games in a row, it really has to be a win against Everton if AFCB are to improve their situation.

Everton have shot into the top 10 places without blowing teams away, but they are yet to really find the boundaries of what a Sam Allardyce team can do. Everton have been held in check a bit with their last two draws, but they are not losing games and so they can afford to experiment a bit which makes them a trickier opponent than most.Eddie Howe will Everton a little harder than most teams to plan against as their side has been changing a bit of late with Wayne Rooney picking up a virus and Yannick Bolasie coming back int the side after a long absence. There are also players that hurt Bournemouth up at Goodison who could feature as starters, Tom Davies and Oumar Niasse.

At least Everton no longer have Lukaku.

Meanwhile, Gylfie Sigurdsson showed his former Swansea team-mates that he still has the ability to find something special at times and Bournemouth will be aware of his long-range and free kick special strikes. Everton have plenty of goals in them you'd think especially when they have Wayne Rooney in the mix. The young Calvert-Lewin is now a regular starter, and even if he does face more competition in January he has every reason to try and score more goals now to keep his place in the team going into the New Year. There is also a rejuvenated Aaron Lennon amongst their ranks who has been playing well on the wing.

The fact that Everton have not picked up three points in their last two games may force Allardyce to be a bit more attacking than he might have for this game. Having made such a good start he will not want to see Everton dropping back and losing to teams below them in the league will only heap pressure back on him and the players.But Allardyce says that his side are still giving the ball away and are struggling when they are in possession to hurt teams. They have also been playing with three at the back which may be exploited by Bournemouth's wide players. It could be another hum-dinger with both sides going out on full attack to get the points. AFCB Home FormWLDLDEverton Away FormDLDWD

Thursday, 28 December 2017

Whatever Eddie Howe says about the point gained against West Ham, he knows that the Cherries are still making far too many mistakes in matches. This should have been a game when AFCB basically wrapped up the points by half time. Instead they let in a simple goal from a near post header from a corner and not only could not close out the match when 2-1 up in the last 10 minutes, but very nearly got nothing from the game.

Asmir had a game he'd like ti forget against West Ham.

It was an exciting game to watch with West Ham needing the points as much as AFCB, but the goals as a whole were pretty disappointing. AFCB have to find ways of defending better than allowing three goals to be scored against them at home. They won't win points from many goals like this and the turnovers that happened in midfield when no pressure was on the ball make you wonder what they have to do in training to get their passing better.

At the other end, Bournemouth may be upping their shot count but the accuracy has not improved significantly. Until Bournemouth stop making mistakes in front of goal they will be at the bottom of the table. Yet, the goals have been arriving from different sources which is some comfort. But there were great opportunities for Jordan Ibe, Ryan Fraser and Josh King to finish the Hammers off and the amount of misses are getting costly now.

Adrián did play well in West Ham's goal but the Cherries didn't manage to extend him enough and he won't have minded so much that many shots were struck right at him. Bournemouth used to be a side that would score a lot of goals and that average is still not climbing quickly enough at the moment.Cherry Chimes gives a 2017 summary on AFCB's performance for ASKFansCherry Chimes' ASKFans preview for AFCB v Everton

It's not been a magical season for Josh King yet. Whether he is totally fit half the time is something Eddie Howe has been keeping close to his chest, but looking at the performances of late, it doesn't look like Josh is at a level where he is going to find getting to double figures in goals is going to be an easy task for him.

Josh King is sitting on three goals this season in league and cup games.

I do wonder why Eddie has not given Josh a few more games playing as the number nine striker and leading the line. He only seems to get that gig when other strikers are injured and Defoe and Wilson have been the go to men to play that role this season, which has diminished the number of chances for King.

Having said that, in the West Ham match, King had great chances to extend his goal count but put several chances wide. The power and strength in his game is not quite there in games and yet when it is, he is undoubtedly one of the best strikers in the Premier League. I can't help but feel that a fully fit Josh King will find it no trouble to pull AFCB out of the low position AFCB are in, and pull the club to relative safety. He has done it before and he is very hard to stop when he gets on a goal run. But for some reason it hasn't happened yet this season.

Eddie Howe must find a way of getting more out of King. If he can do it, he'll make life much easier for himself and the team. While there are several players that Howe will be looking to get better performances from, we can also see that King is a man that has the capability of doing special things, and if he needs more of an arm put round him to get him firing, Eddie Howe needs to do that now.

Wednesday, 27 December 2017

Dan Gosling is finally getting a bit of a run in the team and his play deserves it really even if he knows that injuries to other players have helped his cause. He has scored in a couple of games now with the Carabao Cup and in the Premier League and his emotion when he scores drives the crowd and team on which is really infectious.

Dan Gosling is the crowd pleaser at the moment.

I have to admit that Dan also loses the ball at times when he really shouldn't, but that can be said for most of Bournemouth's players this season. He does well at getting blocks in and getting in the way at times, but his real purpose for me should be in trying to get in on the end of moves when Bournemouth are going forward with numbers, because he does get shots on target.

Dan's goal against West Ham wasn't anything special, but it was extremely important with AFCB 0-1 down and the crowd needed to be lifted. Dan took it upon himself to wave his arms and get the crowd going, and all through the match I thought he plays with the aggression and determination that Bournemouth had often lacked in earlier games.

Eddie Howe needs experienced players to come to the fore now to pick the side up and Dan is one of those who is playing for his shirt. I also think Dan is playing himself into better form as well. Every time he gets a goal he will feel more confident that he is contributing and worthy of his place in the team. He has not played as a regular nearly often enough, but if he can stay fit and still keep his goal scoring going he will be a man that Howe will start to rely on.I want to see our players celebrating their goals and showing that fighting spirit. It's that passion that will save AFCB this season, because it reaffirms their team belief that they can get out of trouble and the more we see it, the better this AFCB team will play.Big congratulations as well to Marc Pugh who made his 300 appearance for AFCB on Boxing Day.

Callum Wilson won't care how the goals go in - a bit of magic he suggests.

Callum Wilson notched up his fourth Premier League goal a little inadvertently, but they all count when the referee gives them. Bournemouth were embroiled in another high-scoring, titanic, battle with West Ham at Dean Court when it had seemed that all the points had slipped away from the Cherries.Bournemouth could well have been a beaten side when time was running out, and to get nothing from the game would have been a complete tragedy. Video footage would say the goal would have been ruled out with Callum touching the ball in off his arm, but the key header from Nathan Aké was certainly worthy of a goal and the ball would have gone in had Wilson not have got a touch.For once, Bournemouth had a bit of luck on their side. Yet, they had been unlucky when West Ham had got back on level terms at 2-2 after Begovic's slip. The luck has been running against Bournemouth as a whole this season with so many injuries, but they need lady luck to start going for them now.

Callum Wilson wanted to head the third goal and clearly did not get enough on the ball. He admitted that he did touch it after the game in an interview with BBC Radio Solent, although I'm not sure he was as honest during the game. Sometimes you have to make your own luck they say and at least Bournemouth look now like a side that they are trying to get the wins.It is important though that Bournemouth feel they can get winners and late ones as well. Jordan Ibe will wonder what he needs to do to score, but I think he will get a goal sooner or later. But Callum is the striker who looks most likely to get the most goals at the moment, and if they come off his arm he will not mind as long as they count.West Ham fans will be absolutely furious about Robert Madley's refereeing but for Bournemouth fans he has probably been one of the best ref's we've had this season, because for once the decisions actually went AFCB's way.

Tuesday, 26 December 2017

This was what you call a Christmas cracker. Bournemouth entertained and West Ham also had a lot to do with the excitement with an end to end match. With nine minutes to go Bournemouth were 2-1 up having come from behind when, in the heavy rain, Begovic presented Arnatovic with a Christmas present to make it 2-2. When Marko Arnautovic scored a late goal to put West Ham 3-2, that should have been that, but after a long talk between assistant referee and step in referee Bobby Madley, Bournemouth were awarded an added time equaliser when Aké headed across goal and the ball went in off Callum Wilson's arm. You could not make it up.Eddie Howe brought Simon Francis back into the starting line up, while Jack Simpson dropped to the bench. Lewis Cook returned to the starting line up instead of Harry Arter and Josh King returned to the starting line up in place of Jermain Defoe.

AFCB and West Ham serve up a fantastic Christmas game.

Match Description

Bournemouth lined up with a back four with Adam Smith taking on the role of left back. Fraser won an early free kick from Zabaletta. A glancing header just flashed across goal and a corner was awarded. Francis headed on to the roof of the net.Lanzini had a great chance to nip in at the other end but Lewis Cook got in the way. West Ham have a corner and Collins heads in at the near post to make it 0-1. Francis was well behind his man and the Hammers are ahead on seven minutes.Francis wins a free kick in his own half. Wilson now fouls Kouyaté with an arm in the face. King takes knock from Obiang. Fraser has the beating of Zabeleta and is tripped again. Wilson gets a shot off but it's right at Adrián.Wilson plays a ball in from the right and King can't finish and puts it wide of the left post! 16 minute gone it should be 1-1, but it's a let off for West Ham. West ham now win a corner, that one is straight out though.Adrián comes out in front of Wilson. Francis is beaten by Masuaku and Ayew puts a great chance wide from six yards. That should have been in as well! It stays 0-1 after 21 minutes.Great tackle from Adam Smith on Zabaleta and King puts another chance wide! Wilson was pulled back there and West Ham get away with one. Ibe blocked, another shot from Adam Smith is tipped over, very central. Corner to Bournemouth.Fraser puts the ball in and Adrián punches away. Francis gives a free kick away after going through on Masuaku. Fraser is now sandwiched. Bournemouth need to get him on the ball more as West Ham can't cope with him. The ball drops kindly to Gosling and it's 1-1 on 29 minutes. Aké was being held down as well.High foot by Francis on Kouyaté. It's a yellow card. Francis had his eyes on the ball and did not see the player but he's caught him right in the face. That caused a right ruck with several players getting involved and security.Adam Smith draws a foul from Zabaleta who is carded. All Smith did was to cut inside on his right to pick the foul up. Bournemouth are chasing in midfield, but can't force a mistake from West Ham.Ibe now gets fouled by Obiang. Adam Smith makes a pull back but it's cleared. Fraser has a shot blocked and Francis on the right crosses too deep. Adam Smith gives a foul away in West Ham's half on Ayew. Ibe still trying to go through players rather than around them loses the ball.West Ham come forward and the shot from Lanzini is wide. Gosling gives the ball away in the middle but the cross come shot is running out of play. That was too casual from Gosling. Steve Cook wins a free kick off Arnautivic.It's over everyone. It's bobbling around the box and King's header goes straight to the keeper with no power. Four minutes of added time are being played and Steve Cook puts a long shot over. Half time 1-1.

Second halfArnautovic come forward and Begovic catches the ball at his near post. Lewis Cook wins the ball well but West ham turn it over. King gives the ball away next. Lewis cook now runs in to a group of West Ham players. Bournemouth are not doing well at keeping the ball.Adam Smith on the left and Wilson who shoots just past the post. West ham wins a corner off Josh King, but nothing comes of it. Lewis cook wins the ball of Arnautovic well. Shot from Lanzini goes wide with Lewis Cook getting a deflection in. Ibe had given the ball away.Play is pulled back for a foul by Collins on Gosling, poor referring with Bournemouth on a break with Fraser. Creswell gets booked for pulling back Callum Wilson. Ibe takes it and it's a corner. Lewis Cook puts it back in the box and Aké scores 2-1 on 57 minutes, neat left foot finish from about eight yards out.Fraser wins the ball but the cross goes out. The crowd is up for this now. West Ham sub Obiang is off for Andy Carroll and Ayew is replaced by Hernandez. Fraser fouls Zabaleta. Begovic is out quickly ad judges the bounce well off a West Ham header.Wilson s in behind but Ibe was like a statue. Lewis Cook into Gosling, quick shot at the near post and the keeper makes a save, corner. It's another corner won by Francis. Aké puts the header into the side netting.King comes off for Afobe to come on after 65 minutes. Bournemouth are playing well now and go to the other end and did Collins slide in with his had? Eddie Howe was asking for a penalty, not given.Francis and a good shot from Ibe comes off Adrián's legs! Afobe gives a free kick away, but AFCb break. Wilson out to Fraser. Francis Gosling and Wilson goes down.Ibe slips and loses the ball. Hernandez not offside ad his header to Arnautovic is a good one, but Arnautovic shoots wide on 70 minutes. Lewis cook gets booked. Begovic gets up well. Francis keeps on his feet well and crosses, Fraser puts it wide of the right post by an inch. So close.Wilson is pushed to the floor by Ogbonna. Ibe with the free kick on 73 minutes. Another free kick to Bournemouth. Steve Cook is down in the box.After a long delay, Steev Cook is okay. Ibe loses the ball. Break AFCB attack. Cross by Wilson is cut out though. Fraser in to Afobe and the keeper puts it out for a corner.West Ham sub Zabaleta for Rice on 78 minutes. Aké gets a yellow card for holding. Shot comes in froom Carroll and well saved by Begovic down to his left and keeps hold of the ball. Ibe gets ready for a shot and Adrián has to put save in fro another corner.Fraser puts in a big tackle and Begovic slips and Arnautovic gets a present 2-2. The clearance went all of two metres and Arnautovic makes it all square on 81 minutes. Adam Smith now clears and Wilson wins a free kick. Header from Wilson goes out for a goal kick. Afobe comes forward, but it's a goal kick.Marc Pugh comes on for Ryan Fraser on 87 minutes. Bournemouth have a free kick. It's a yellow card for Ogbonna trying to push the ball back. Ibe smashes the shot way over.Gosling puts in Ibe, back across goal but it's cleared. Masuaku down the left beats Francis and it's over to the far post, Hernadez shoots and Begovic saves but Arnautovic has made it 2-3. Aké just a bit slow to get to Arnautovic - absolute disaster.Ibe and Francis on the right can't get the cross in. Six minutes added on. The ball goes in from Aké and the flag is up. Was Wilson offside? It's 3-3. It went in off Wilson's arm from what we can see.AFCB come again. Smith on the byline but cleared. Free kick to West Ham. Bournemouth have a throw deep in the West Ham half. Aké out to Pugh. Gosling. It's full time 3-3.

Eddie Howe is finding it hard to pick up points in December.

Summary

An epic match but no winner. AFCB were lucky in the end to be given the equaliser. However, Bournemouth will have feel they did enough to win several games with this performance but an unlucky slip by Begovic let West Ham back in and they looked like odds on to win it until Aké and Wilson fashioned a controversial equaliser. One point is really not enough for Eddie Howe and he'll be very disappointed with two points dropped at home even if they could have lost the game. A point keeps Bournemouth in the bottom three, but they are scrapping now.

Bournemouth know they need to pick up points in December and they have only picked up two points so far from five games. It has been a very challenging run of fixtures, but AFCB can't be too displeased with the games coming up and Boxing Day must see AFCB return to winning ways if they are to get their season back on track.

With Defoe out for a couple of months it is up to others to get some goals.

While Eddie Howe has problems in picking any strikers in form, Bournemouth are a side that can produce goals from all over the pitch. There are still some players though awaiting their first goal for the team and it would be great to see a few more players get on the score sheet, like Jordan Ibe, Lys Mousset and Lewis Cook. It's now that Bournemouth need those who have been on the fringes to lift the team and contribute. Injuries will give more players an opportunity and while Eddie Howe would like a full squad to pick from for the match against West Ham, this is a six pointer where whoever puts on the red and black shirt has to give everything they can.

Bournemouth's home form has been inconsistent and of late the side has been playing better away from home. The atmosphere has been one of expectancy at Dean Court but perhaps not fully pushing the team on, which is a shame. I am hoping that the Christmas mood makes it a more vibrant and noisy home crowd, because Bournemouth need find the sparkling form they have shown in away games, like they had at Manchester Utd and Chelsea in the Carabao Cup.

AFCB are not managing a point a game but with this home match they can get back on course and with Everton next to come, Bournemouth could end December in relatively good spirits and head into the New Year with a fresh vision of what their season might look like. UTCIAD!

BBC Radio Solent talk to Eddie Howe after a disappointing 4-1 defeat in Yorkshire

Eddie Howe speaks to BBC Radio Solent on doing the double over Stoke City

Cherries substitutions made the difference for Howe

Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe is full of praise for Joshua King and Lys Mousset, who both came off the bench to score as the Cherries came from behind to beat Stoke City 2-1 #afcb ��https://t.co/Z0ttI4azBx

Champions

Subscribe To

Eddie lifts the ChampionshipTrophy

Eddie lifts the ChampionshipTrophy

Let our advertisers know you saw them on Cherry Chimes

As Cherry Chimes grows we will probably show more adverts. If you visit the advertisers do let them know that you saw them on Cherry Chimes. Cherry Chimes is not responsible for any problems or disputes you may have with third party sites advertising on this blog.

Eddie Howe tells everyone what the title means

Cherry Bear shows off his moves!

Cherry Chimes' mobile phone App

It's free to download. Scan the QR code or click on the pic it will also take you to the download

Blog Author

About Me

I love watching AFCB with my two sons and you'll see me at Dean Court most home games and some away ones as I am an exile, no longer living in Bournemouth. I have supported the Cherries since the late 1970s, but did not go to my first match until 1981. I am a business to business magazine journalist on an international publication. I have been a journalist since 1992 when I completed my post-graduate diploma in journalism studies at Cardiff University.